Bobcats & Coyotes

Have You Seen a Bobcat or a Coyote?

It can be a little startling when you see a bobcat or coyote. To help you respond appropriately, we've created this list of facts:

Bobcats and coyotes have never attacked a single person in Plano’s history. Even children are too big to be considered a meal as the bobcats in this area hunt only animals that are rabbit sized or smaller. Coyotes will sometimes take larger prey but a healthy adult poses no threat to humans.

Pets that are bigger than a rabbit are not usually at risk from bobcats but coyotes may attack larger pets if given an opportunity.

If a pet is small enough for a bobcat to consider it a meal, it’s also small enough to be a meal for some of the owls, hawks and eagles that live in this area. Always be vigilant to protect tiny pets.

Bobcats and coyotes are more commonly seen during the day in the colder months because the animals they hunt are more active during the day due to the cold nights.

Studies have shown that when wild animals are trapped and relocated they typically die within a few weeks of being relocated – some people may mistakenly fear them but very few want them all dead.

The best course of action for adults to take when a bobcat or coyote is seen is to scare them off by yelling, throwing a small rock at them, spraying them with a high-powered squirt gun or hose, or otherwise making them feel uncomfortable so they learn that people are to be avoided. Children should always be taught never to approach or interact with any unknown animal whether it is wildlife or a pet.

The City of Plano has noticed an increase in wildlife activity and sightings during the winter mating season. Our priority is public safety. We will immediately begin humane trapping for cases where certain wildlife are living in or creating a den at a residence.

Practice the best prevention toward keeping your pets safe: stay with your pets at all times while outdoors, remove outdoor food and water sources and eliminate any potential den sites.

We want to keep our citizens and pets safe. If you have more questions, please email Animal Services or call at 972-769-4360.